Relay event arrives in region

A POPULAR fundraising challenge in coming to Wigtownshire this summer, with families, friends and colleagues invited to take part.

Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life sees teams of between eight to 15 people, of all ages, levels of fitness and walks of life are invited to raise as much money as possible for life-saving cancer research.

Groups can fundraise through a wide range of activities from karaoke to quizzes, supermarket bag-packs to charity balls and donations from their family, friends and work colleagues. They are then invited to take part in a 12-hour relay at Bladnoch Park, Wigtown, on Saturday July 4 to celebrate their achievements.

Anne Barclay, volunteer chair of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “Relay For Life is a great way to spend time with your family, friends and colleagues while raising money for a truly worthwhile cause.”

During the relay itself, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys the carnival atmosphere. This year’s event moves from 24 hours to 12.

As dusk falls, specially made Candle of Hope bags - decorated with touching messages in memory or in celebration of loved ones - are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track and glow long into the evening.

Anne added: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. Taking part in Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief that it can make a difference. Cancer Research UK needs everyone in Dumfries and Galloway to act right now.

“We have made so much progress in the fight against this devastating disease, but it’s not just technology or knowledge that we need to win the battle to beat cancer– it’s funding.

“Today as many people survive cancer as die from cancer, but there’s much more work to do. Please register today to help create a world with more tomorrows.”

For more information about Relay For Life visit cruk.org/relay or call 03001231026.